The mixed verdict in the first nationwide election of Trump's presidency showed the limits of his hardline immigration rhetoric in today's political landscape.

Midterm losses are typical for the party in the White House.

Donald Trump says Democrat Nancy Pelosi "deserves" to be the next House speaker. The California Democrat was the nation's first female speaker from 2007-2011. But a number of House Democratic candidates have said they won't support her for the top role.

Trump said Wednesday that "if they give her a hard time, perhaps we will add some Republican votes. She has earned this great honour!"

House Democrats meet later this month to elect party leaders and Pelosi is expected to win most of those votes. But being elected speaker in January requires a majority of House votes.

Pelosi has been up front about not wanting to pursue impeaching Trump.

Trump also warns Democrats against using their new majority in the House of Representatives to investigate his administration. He said in a tweet Wednesday that if they do, the Republican-controlled Senate may investigate Democrats.

With the Democrats in the majority, they will have the power to launch investigations and subpoena records, including possibly Trump's tax filings and private business dealings.

Trump said that if the Democrats plan to "waste Taxpayer Money investigating us at the House level," then Republicans "will likewise be forced to consider investigating them for all of the leaks of Classified Information, and much else, at the Senate level."